In a striking fusion of precision engineering and philanthropy, IWC Schaffhausen, Laureus Sport for Good, and Bonhams have joined forces for an extraordinary auction. At the heart of the event is one of just 100 pieces of the Big Pilot’s Watch Shock Absorber XPL Toto Wolff x Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One™ Team edition, a timepiece whose resilience was personally tested by Toto Wolff during the Singapore Grand Prix™. On the wrist of the Mercedes F1 CEO and Team Principal, this masterwork of horology endured the high-stakes intensity of the racetrack, demonstrating its capacity to withstand accelerations exceeding 30,000 g. Alongside the watch, bidders will receive a white team polo signed by Wolff himself.
The auction, hosted online at Bonhams from 15th to 25th October, will culminate live at the Laureus Charity Night in Zurich, with all proceeds directed to the Laureus Foundation Switzerland. Since 2005, Laureus Sport for Good has harnessed the transformative power of sport to support children and young people facing violence, discrimination, and disadvantage worldwide. IWC Schaffhausen has been a longstanding global partner of Laureus, contributing annually to fundraising initiatives like the Charity Night, where unique timepieces are offered to advance the foundation’s mission.
Franziska Gsell, Chief Marketing Officer of IWC Schaffhausen, expressed the enduring significance of this collaboration: “The Laureus Charity Night brings together a passionate group of supporters committed to driving social change through sport. This year, we are honoured to present a highly complex watch worn and shock-tested by Toto Wolff. By collaborating with Bonhams and offering online bidding, we enable more participants to support an extraordinary cause.”
The Big Pilot’s Watch Shock Absorber XPL stands as a testament to IWC’s technical innovation. Its integrated SPRIN-g PROTECT® shock absorber system, crafted by the brand’s Engineering Division XPL, shields the movement from extreme impacts. Using a spring made from bulk metallic glass (BMG)—a material far more elastic than conventional metals—the system disperses energy across the spring’s length and width, safeguarding the watch from shocks and accelerations up to 30,000 g. This engineering marvel was famously highlighted in 2021 when Wolff’s prototype survived the intensity of a Saudi Arabian Grand Prix incident unscathed, cementing the watch’s reputation for resilience.
This auction not only celebrates technical mastery but also a commitment to social impact. Penny Andrews, Head of Watches at Bonhams London, emphasized the wider significance: “Building on the success of our previous IWC and Toto Wolff charity auction, we are delighted to contribute to the Laureus Charity Night once again. This event raises substantial funds for children to find positivity through sport, and the online accessibility ensures global participation.”
With an estimated value of CHF80,000–200,000, this limited-edition timepiece and signed polo shirt represent more than luxury; they embody a legacy of innovation, philanthropy, and the enduring spirit of sport. The online auction coincides with the Laureus Sport for Good Gala in Zurich on 25th October, an event that annually highlights the foundation’s dedication to empowering youth through sport and shared experiences.
